Faults:

I have had problems with the brakes squeaking starting around 300 miles.

There is a problem with the windshield. It was not installed properly and makes a clunking sound against the car. Apparently, this is very common in the new RAV-4s. I had to take mine in 9 times (literally) before they actually got it fixed.

The sunroof was also not installed properly. Whenever the roof gets warm, the sunroof makes very loud cracking sounds.

The latest problem is one with the engine. Apparently, there is a gas emission problem with the vehicles.

General Comments:

I am very disappointed with the RAV-4. I think Toyota mass produced a car without fully getting all of the kinks out of it. It is unfortunate because it puts the burden on the owner to constantly bring in their vehicle for all of Toyota's "solutions" to the problems. I have owned Toyota vehicles for 12 years and know that these problems should not be typical for Toyota vehicles. In my opinion, they should go back to the drawing board on the new RAV-4.

Faults:

A rattle under the dash was fixed by the dealership under warranty. The rattle is back and the car will be spending another day with Toyota soon.

A plastic cover (covering bolts) on the roof rack fell off somewhere. Dealer replaced it at no charge.

General Comments:

This vehicle is too heavy for its 2.0L 4 cylinder engine. Although the engine has broken in nicely and gained power since it was new, it definitely needs a V6.

The car gets very poor gas mileage for only having a 2.0L 4 cylinder engine. I expected that the 4WD and the huge tires would take a toll on the mileage, but I think 22mpg average is a little low.

The gas tank is way too small for this car. At 22mpg, the range is only about 260 miles before having to stop to fill up. I think the RAV4 should have a tank that is at least 17 gallons and I am not even a commuter.

The passenger seat is extremely uncomfortable. I'm not sure why it's only this particular seat. It feels like the bottom of the seat is sloped forward and since I feel like I'm sitting on the seat rather than in it, I feel like a swift step on the brakes will send me onto the floor. The driver's seat also feels like it is tilted forward even though I have adjusted the tilt as far back as it will go. The rear seats are very comfortable especially reclined.

This vehicle handles very well for its size. I am very impressed by the precision of the steering.

Faults:

There was a little dash rattle, but the dealer fixed it long time ago. It is fine now.

General Comments:

Our first sports utility vehicle ever and we love it. We don't have to worry about spending so much in gas and also have a light truck. Definitely not designed for drag racing, but has adequate power to pull 4 heavy people without hesitation.

It is very roomy from inside although from the outside it looks like a small truck. We love the design. It definitely turns heads. Nothing like it on the road. I hope not many people buy it as it would take the design uniqueness away from the roads.

I will be taking this small truck above 300k miles like I took my Honda Accord. I have no doubt in my mind.

It is easy to get in and out of as it is not too low and not too high that we need a ladder. Many people say that it needs 6 cylinders. They can buy the Toyota Highlander if a 6 is needed. The RAV4 should be left alone with a 4 cylinder because it is supposed to be a fuel efficient vehicle, not a drag racer.